Cyclone Arnab: Schools closed in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh on alert ahead of heavy rain

Odisha closed educational institutions in five districts as Andhra Pradesh prepared for Cyclone Arnab's landfall. Evacuations, emergency deployments and transport cancellations accompanied warnings of destructive winds and extreme rainfall.

In Short

• Odisha collectors may order further closures as local conditions evolve
• Evacuations are being intensified across low-lying and vulnerable coastal areas
• Disaster-response teams, emergency services and cyclone shelters remain fully prepared

With Cyclone Arnab expected to make landfall on October 28, authorities have ordered school closures in vulnerable areas, while Odisha has announced holidays for educational institutions in five districts. Several train services have also been cancelled as a precaution.

Schools and other educational institutions in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are set to remain closed as authorities step up precautionary measures ahead of Cyclone Arnab, which has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.

The cyclone has prompted state governments to strengthen evacuation measures, mobilise disaster-response teams and prepare shelters in vulnerable areas. Students, parents and school authorities have been advised to follow official district-level announcements regarding closures.

ODISHA SCHOOLS CLOSED IN FIVE DISTRICTS

The Odisha government has ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres to remain closed on October 28 and 29 in five districts: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

These districts are among the areas expected to experience adverse weather conditions due to the approaching cyclone. District collectors in other parts of Odisha have been authorised to decide on the closure of educational institutions depending on local weather conditions and the evolving situation.

The state has stepped up its disaster-preparedness measures, with rescue teams and emergency services placed on alert ahead of the expected impact.

ANDHRA PRADESH SCHOOLS CLOSURE UPDATE

Andhra Pradesh is also preparing for the cyclone's expected landfall. Authorities are taking precautionary measures in vulnerable districts, including evacuations from low-lying areas and arrangements for emergency assistance.

Students and parents should check announcements issued by their respective district administrations and schools for the latest information on holidays and reopening dates.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast that Cyclone Arnab will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around the forenoon of October 28.

The system is expected to bring sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is also forecast in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Odisha has mobilised disaster-response personnel, while authorities in Andhra Pradesh have intensified preparations to evacuate vulnerable residents and ensure the availability of essential supplies.

Students and parents should rely on official government and district administration announcements for the latest school closure information, as further restrictions may be announced depending on the cyclone's movement and intensity.

- Ends